Dean House, Forest of Dean

'This house is brilliant for summer and winter gatherings with friends and family. Whether it's Christmas Dinner on long tables in the room we still refer to as the shop, or BBQs with friends in the garden. The view from the large windows at the rear of the property will see you catch a glimpse of many animals, including sheep, chickens, owls, foxes and even birds of prey. The rear garden gate gives you instant access to the historical forest'

The History
Dean House was built in the 1920s by the family who then managed the local shop from there. The building ran as a shop for the village until the 1970s, when it was converted into a home, with a lot of the features of the original shop retained. The home has quaint reminders of it’s rich history which balances an element of grandeur, typified by the large level section of garden, which for many years was a lawn tennis court. The history of the home is interwoven with the enchanting and unique feel to this area, with its common land and pathways, (accessed just through the back gate) meaning sheep and chickens freely roam around the villages.

The Home
The house itself has an engaging grasp on those that enter, through truly skilful and considered interior design which marks a beautiful fusion between mid-century and cottage-core styles, with ‘arts and crafts’ stained glass and dark wood doors and skirting boards. There is a spacious layout to this home, due in part to its history has a shop. To the downstairs there are two large reception areas, the largest of which being the old shop area, which measures 7.1 x 3.8 metres, providing space to be a play room, family room, dining space or craft room, with the beautiful original panelling. The living room to the back is dual aspect and has doors out to the rear garden. The kitchen is handmade, reclaiming traditional school science iroko wood worktops. The quality of the finish has also been consider through fittings such as the Smeg range cooker and Zellige tiles to the worktop from Bert and May. Like much of the house, this room is dual aspect and offer a beautiful bright room, to both prepare and enjoy food. The timber windows in the house have been handmade and installed in the house by a local carpenter, whilst original stained glass found in the home has been carefully restored to become a cherished part of this home.

To the first floor there is a wonderful open landing setup for reading space or as a study. There are three double bedrooms, the main bedroom benefitting from a wonderful curved bay, with views towards the forest. The bathroom is especially eye-catching with beautiful glazed green Zellige tiling, pendant lights and reclaimed sink above a handmade vanity unit.

Above this, there is a large attic space ideal for further development of this home, if required (subject to necessary planning permissions). The large landing space and profile of the stairs also would allow for this to work fairly naturally within the existing space here.

The Outside
This is a home which is ideal for those looking for hobby or workshop space. The property has both a garage and a garden studio/pottery shed, with reclaimed crittal windows. The garden has a westerly aspect, ideal for soaking up afternoon and evening sun on the patio. There is a private feel due to the established line of conifer trees on the rear perimeter. The raised lawn area is spacious and makes an ideal play area or, as is currently used, a sunny spot from which to grow plants, fruit or veg.



Living in Bream
The house is situated on Parkend Road in the village of Bream. Bream is classified as a village but is the size of a small town and is reported to be one of the biggest ‘villages’ in the UK. Following Parkend Road down, leads to the smaller village of Parkend, which marks a brilliant, central spot in the Forest of Dean, with lots of small lanes and trails leading off into the Forest. Further on from this, to the north, is Newnham-on-Severn, a very popular village close to the river, home to some highly regarded venues such as Post which has earnt it’s place in the Michelin Guide 2026, and the George Cafe for a good coffee and brunch. To the south, around Lydney, Hips are mastering the coffee scene with their ‘Hips Social’ and ‘Hips Harbourside’ spots.
This is an area ideal for those who want to spend more time in nature with an abundance of options for beautiful country walks, both on the doorstep and within a short drive. Mallards Pike and Cannop Ponds are short drive away and are spots with abundant wildlife, both native and non-native, such as the Forest’s famous wild boar. ‘Pedalabikeaway’ is an off-road cycle hub and hire just nearby, from which some of the regions best bike rides can be accessed. Symonds Yat and Devils Pulpit are also just a short drive to the south-west.
Bream itself, whilst giving an untouched feeling of remoteness and has a library, primary school, gym, pub and cafe. Much of its popularity stems from still being within easy commuting distance to Bristol, Gloucester, Cardiff and Cheltenham. Monmouth is also twenty minutes away and a good spot for families with excellent state schools and private options too. With Lyndey Train Station a short drive away, getting around by public transport is also achievable in this fantastic area.